What is a common effect of algae blooms in water bodies?

Algae blooms, often resulting from nutrient over-enrichment in water bodies, lead to a significant decrease in oxygen availability in the water. This occurs because the rapid growth of algae can cover the surface of the water, limiting sunlight penetration that is necessary for aquatic plants to perform photosynthesis. When the algae eventually die off, their decomposition consumes a large amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, creating conditions that can be harmful or even lethal to fish and other aquatic organisms. This phenomenon is known as hypoxia, and it can drastically alter aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the common effect of algae blooms in water bodies includes oxygen depletion, which negatively impacts overall water quality and aquatic life.